Chapter 78 The Clan’s New Regulations

Inside the residence atop Cloud Ascension Peak, a tranquil silence filled the room.

The interior was simple yet elegant.

The walls were built from polished white stone, while sturdy wooden pillars supported the high ceiling. A faint scent of sandalwood drifted from a bronze incense burner in the corner, giving the room a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Soft sunlight filtered through the open windows, illuminating the neat furnishings and casting warm rays across the polished wooden floor.

At the center of the room stood a low wooden table with two chairs facing one another. A jade wine flask and several finely crafted cups rested neatly upon the table, their simple appearance matching the residence's understated elegance. Shelves lined one side of the room, holding ancient books, bamboo scrolls, and a few carefully arranged ornaments.

Seated respectfully on one side of the table was Emperor Hong Yuanji.

Across from him sat a young man dressed in flowing black robes.

His handsome features and calm demeanor naturally commanded respect despite his youthful appearance.

It was...

Zan Yunxiao.

Hong Yuanji's gaze lingered on him for a little too long.

Noticing this, Zan Yunxiao smiled faintly.

"What are you looking at?"

Hong Yuanji was slightly embarrassed after being caught staring.

He scratched the back of his head and replied with an awkward smile,

"Nothing, Ancestor."

"It's just..."

"This is my first time seeing your true appearance."

"I couldn't help but be curious."

Zan Yunxiao chuckled softly.

"So that's why."

Without saying anything further, he picked up a jade wine flask from the table and poured a cup of wine.

The mellow aroma of aged alcohol slowly drifted through the room.

"This was brewed by Elder Dan."

"Give it a try."

He gently pushed the wine cup toward Hong Yuanji.

Hong Yuanji respectfully received it with both hands.

"Thank you, Ancestor."

He raised the cup and took a careful sip.

A rich, smooth taste spread across his tongue, carrying a pleasant warmth as it went down his throat.

Hong Yuanji's eyes brightened.

"What excellent wine..."

Although it contained no spiritual energy, its flavor was far superior to the finest wines served in the imperial palace.

After taking another sip of wine, Hong Yuanji carefully set the cup back onto the table.

Ever since he had received the summons, a question had been lingering in his mind.

Why had Ancestor called him here?

The room fell silent once more.

After a long pause, Zan Yunxiao finally spoke.

"Yuanji."

"I have a task for you."

Hong Yuanji immediately straightened his posture.

"Please give your orders, Ancestor."

Zan Yunxiao looked at him calmly.

"Do you know why the Northern Alliance invades the Crimson Empire in the past?"

Hong Yuanji frowned.

"I always believed they coveted the empire's territory and wealth."

Zan Yunxiao slowly shook his head.

"That is only part of the reason."

"The real objective is the cultivation resources hidden beneath the Crimson Empire."

He continued,

"The empire possesses numerous spiritual veins and spiritual stone throughout the empire."

"That is why the Northern Alliance has launched war against the empire."

"They are fighting for resources."

Hong Yuanji's expression became solemn.

"So that is the true reason..."

Zan Yunxiao nodded.

"From this day onward, I order you to mobilize the empire's manpower and begin searching for every spiritual vein and spiritual stone within the Crimson Empire."

"Once discovered..."

"Mine them immediately."

Hong Yuanji listened attentively as Zan Yunxiao continued.

"Every spiritual vein and mine you discover must be reported to the Zan Clan."

"No one is permitted to conceal them."

"Do you understand?"

Hong Yuanji immediately rose from his seat and respectfully cupped his fists.

"This descendant understands."

"I will issue the order as soon as I return to the imperial palace."

"I shall mobilize officials and trusted personnel throughout the empire to search for every spiritual vein and spiritual stone."

Zan Yunxiao gave a satisfied nod.

"Very good."

Hong Yuanji hesitated for a moment.

A question had been lingering in his heart ever since Zan Yunxiao mentioned the spiritual veins.

"Ancestor..."

"If I may ask..."

"How did you know that the Crimson Empire possesses so many spiritual veins and spiritual stone deposits?"

He couldn't understand it.

This information was unknown even to the imperial family.

Yet his ancestor had spoken of it with absolute certainty.

Zan Yunxiao merely smiled faintly.

"I have my own methods."

He offered no further explanation.

Hong Yuanji immediately understood that it was something he should not inquire about any further.

"This descendant understands."

He respectfully lowered his head and did not press the matter.

In reality...

Zan Yunxiao had learned the truth during the great war against the Northern Alliance.

After slaughtering the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators hired by the Northern Alliance, he had used the All-Seeing Eye to inspect them.

The All-Seeing Eye allowed him to view information directly from living beings without the need for interrogation or soul-searching.

From their personal information, he had discovered the Northern Alliance's true objective.

The invasion had never been for territory alone.

It had always been for the rich spiritual veins and abundant spiritual stone deposits hidden beneath the Crimson Empire.

After chatting for a while longer, Hong Yuanji respectfully took his leave.

Before departing, he cupped his fists once more.

"This descendant shall not disappoint Ancestor."

With that, he left the residence, leaving only Zan Yunxiao behind.

The room once again fell into silence.

Zan Yunxiao leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

"How should I develop the clan..."

His fingers lightly tapped the armrest as various ideas flashed through his mind.

After a while, he finally arrived at a conclusion.

"The descendants without talent for cultivation..."

"They should be married into suitable families."

"As for those with cultivation talent..."

"They will be nurtured with the clan's full support."

This was the most efficient use of the Zan Clan's resources.

After all, resources were limited.

Although the Reconstruction Pill could allow an ordinary person to cultivate, it was far too precious to waste on descendants with mediocre or poor aptitude. Even if they stepped onto the path of cultivation, their progress would remain painfully slow, making the investment hardly worthwhile.

As for the Blessing function...

Zan Yunxiao had no intention of sacrificing his own lifespan for every descendant.

Lifespan was his greatest asset.

He would only spend it on those truly worthy of being nurtured.

Only descendants with exceptional talent or those who could bring great benefits to the Zan Clan would be considered worthy of such an investment.

"A clan..."

"Must be built upon merit, not favoritism."

After reaching his decision, Zan Yunxiao summoned Zan Wei.

Not long afterward, the door to the residence opened.

Zan Wei stepped inside, respectfully cupped his fists, and bowed.

"Father."

"Do you have any orders?"

Zan Yunxiao gestured for him to take a seat.

"I've been thinking about the future of the Zan Clan."

Zan Wei listened attentively without interrupting.

"The clan's resources should not be distributed equally."

"Those descendants with talent for cultivation should receive the clan's full support."

"As for those who lack talent..."

"They can live ordinary lives or strengthen the clan through marriage alliances and other contributions."

He paused before continuing,

"The Reconstruction Pills and other precious cultivation resources must only be given to descendants who have proven their worth."

"I have no intention of wasting valuable resources on those with little potential."

Zan Wei silently pondered his father's words before nodding in agreement.

"Father is right."

"If resources are distributed without distinction, the clan's foundation will eventually weaken."

"I'll draft a set of clan regulations based on your proposal."

Zan Yunxiao nodded with satisfaction.

"Very well."

"Present it to the elders once it's complete."

Zan Wei stood up and respectfully cupped his fists.

"This son understands."

"I'll begin preparing it immediately."

With that, he turned and quietly left the residence, already planning how to implement Zan Yunxiao's ideas throughout the Zan Clan.

. . .

Three months passed in the blink of an eye.

During those months, Zan Yunxiao's proposal was officially implemented throughout the Zan Clan.

The new clan regulations quickly spread among the descendants.

Most accepted the decision without complaint, understanding that the clan's resources were limited and should be reserved for those with the greatest potential.

However, a small number voiced their objections.

They, too, wished to cultivate.

In response, the elders announced another path.

Even if a descendant lacked the qualifications to cultivate, they could still earn the opportunity.

By making outstanding contributions to the Zan Clan, whether by managing its businesses, expanding its trade into neighboring nations, or rendering other significant services, they could receive the recognition of the elders or the core members.

Once their contributions were acknowledged...

They would be rewarded with a Reconstruction Pill, granting them the chance to step onto the path of cultivation.

After the announcement, the Zan Clan held a large-scale aptitude examination.

Every descendant was tested to determine whether they possessed the talent to cultivate.

Among those who passed were Haoyu, Yuhan, Junhao, and many other young descendants.

As for those who failed...

None of them chose to wallow in despair.

Instead, they devoted themselves to the clan's affairs with renewed determination.

They believed that as long as they worked hard enough and made sufficient contributions, one day they would earn the elders' recognition...

And prove that they, too, were worthy of cultivating as members of the Zan Clan.